Districts

A Scouting district is a geographical area of the local BSA council, determined by the council executive board. District leaders mobilize resources to ensure the growth and success of units within the district’s territory. All districts are responsible for carrying out four standard functions: membership, finance, program, and unit service.

The membership function strives for growth through the organization of new Scouting units and growththrough new members joining existing units.

The finance function sees that the district provides its share of funds to the total council operating budget.

The program function concentrates on helping Scouting units with camp promotion; special activities,
including community service; training adult volunteers; and youth advancement and recognition.

The unit service function provides direct coaching and consultation by district volunteers for unit adults to
help ensure the success of every Scouting unit.

The membership, finance, and program functions are carried out by members of the district committee. The unit service function is carried out by the district commissioner staff. The district chairman is a member of the council executive board. The district commissioner meets with the council commissioner and other district commissioners on a regular basis. The chairman of each district operating committee may be a member of the corresponding council committee. The district chairman, one or more vice chairmen, and district

members at large are elected by the district committee from a slate agreed upon and presented by the district’s nominating committee. Newly elected officers and members at large take office immediately upon election.

The District Meeting

The entire district committee chaired by the district chairman meets on a regularly scheduled date, usually monthly. The purpose of district meetings is to build momentum, provide group continuity, ensure good coordination, and to make specific assignments to committee members. The district commissioner
reports on the special needs of units and requests the help of operating committees to meet those needs.
To help coordinate efforts, many districts devote a major portion of district meeting time to simultaneous meetings of each of the operating committees (membership, finance, camping, etc.). This is also a time-efficient meeting pattern for busy district volunteers. The district chairman, district commissioner,
and district executive sit in where needed.
All Scouters reassemble. Each operating committee chair reports on two items: (1) What was accomplished in the past month? (2) What plans do they have for accomplishing during the next month? To help build commitment, the district meeting also provides moments of fellowship and inspiration.

The District Commissioner Staff Meeting

The commissioner staff meets monthly on a regularly scheduled date. This is a uniformed meeting to build enthusiasm for carrying out the district’s unit service plans. Helping units succeed is at the heart of everything that occurs at the meeting. The two essential meeting events are the training topic and the assistant district commissioner breakout sessions to review unit needs.
Meetings include time for assistant district commissioners and their respective unit commissioners to review the health of each unit and plan who will help meet specific unit needs during the month ahead. Priority is given to unit trouble spots that could badly disrupt a unit, deciding who will provide help, and discussing how to help. Part of the meeting is devoted to a brief commissioner training topic. Each meeting is woven
together with inspiration and fellowship.